Black Forest Cheesecake

Category: Decadent Desserts

Rich chocolate cheesecake with cherry topping and whipped cream. Takes 30 minutes prep plus baking and chilling. Serves 12. Perfect for special occasions.
Sarah
Created By Sarah John
Updated on Wed, 05 Feb 2025 15:45:50 GMT
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A luxurious fusion of creamy cheesecake and classic Black Forest cake creates an indulgent dessert that's sure to impress. This showstopping creation layers rich chocolate, smooth cream cheese, and juicy cherries into a masterpiece that transforms any occasion into a celebration. Each slice delivers the perfect balance of deep chocolate notes, tangy cream cheese, and sweet-tart cherries that dance on your palate.

I discovered this recipe years ago when planning a special birthday celebration. The way the rich chocolate and tart cherries complemented the creamy cheesecake had everyone asking for seconds. Now it's become my signature dessert for milestone celebrations.

Essential Components

  • Cream cheese: Forms the heart of this recipe; use full-fat at room temperature for the smoothest texture
  • Chocolate sandwich cookies: Create a deep, rich crust; select premium brands for best flavor
  • Heavy cream: Adds luxurious richness; ensure it's fresh and cold
  • Cherry topping: Provides perfect contrast; choose quality pie filling or fresh cherries when in season
  • Dark chocolate: For garnish should be high-quality for the best flavor and appearance

Creation Process

Crust Foundation:
Combine crushed cookies with melted butter, pressing firmly to create a solid base.
Filling Preparation:
Beat cream cheese until perfectly smooth before adding other ingredients.
Gentle Mixing:
Incorporate eggs one at a time, ensuring proper emulsion.
Careful Baking:
Create water bath environment for even baking and crack prevention.
Gradual Cooling:
Allow natural cooling in oven before chilling completely.
Final Adornment:
Top with cherries and chocolate shavings just before serving.
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After years of perfecting this recipe, I've found that patience is truly the secret ingredient. My most memorable moment was watching my mother-in-law, a devoted baker herself, take her first bite and close her eyes in pure delight. The care taken in each step truly shows in the final result.

Elegant Presentation

Transform your cheesecake into a stunning centerpiece by arranging cherries in concentric circles and adding chocolate curls around the edges. For special occasions, pipe rosettes of whipped cream between the cherries and dust with cocoa powder. A few fresh mint leaves add a beautiful color contrast.

Creative Interpretations

Customize this classic by swapping the cherry topping for raspberry or blackberry preserves. Create a white chocolate variation by incorporating melted white chocolate into the filling and topping with dark cherry compote. For special diets, try using gluten-free cookie crumbs for the crust while maintaining all the decadent flavors.

Storage Solutions

Keep your cheesecake fresh by storing it covered in the refrigerator for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze without toppings for up to two months, wrapped well in plastic and foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add fresh toppings before serving.

This Black Forest Cheesecake has become more than just a dessert in my kitchen – it's a celebration waiting to happen. The way it combines two beloved classics into something even more special reminds me that sometimes the best things in life come from bringing different elements together in harmony.

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Common Questions About Cooking

→ Why did my cheesecake crack?
Cracks usually happen from overmixing, quick temperature changes, or overbaking. Use room temp ingredients and cool slowly in the oven.
→ Can I skip the water bath?
Not recommended - it helps prevent cracks and ensures even baking. Just wrap the pan well in foil to prevent leaks.
→ Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes, skip the Kirsch or use almond extract instead for a similar flavor.
→ How do I know when it's done?
Edges should be set but center should still have a slight jiggle. It will continue setting as it cools.
→ Can I freeze this cheesecake?
Yes, freeze without toppings for up to 2 months. Add cherries and cream after thawing.

Rich Black Forest Chocolate Cheesecake

A stunning chocolate cheesecake topped with cherries and cream, inspired by the classic Black Forest cake flavors.

Preparation Time
30 minutes
Cooking Duration
70 minutes
Total Time Required
100 minutes
Created By: Sarah John

Recipe Category: Sweet Treats

Skill Level Required: Made for Pros

Cuisine Style: German-inspired

Recipe Output: 12 Number of Servings

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Gather

→ Chocolate Crust

Contains 01 items 1½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs (Oreos or chocolate graham crackers)
Contains 02 items ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

→ Cheesecake Filling

Contains 03 items 24 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
Contains 04 items 1 cup granulated sugar
Contains 05 items ¼ cup cocoa powder
Contains 06 items 3 large eggs, at room temperature
Contains 07 items 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
Contains 08 items 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Contains 09 items ½ cup heavy cream

→ Cherry Topping

Contains 10 items 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
Contains 11 items 1 tablespoon Kirsch or 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

→ Whipped Cream & Garnish

Contains 12 items 1 cup cold heavy cream
Contains 13 items 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Contains 14 items ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Contains 15 items Chocolate shavings and fresh cherries for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Heat your oven to 325°F. Mix chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter, press into a greased 9-inch springform pan, and bake for 10 minutes. Let it cool.

Step 02

Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth, mix in cocoa powder, then eggs one at a time. Fold in melted chocolate, vanilla, and cream until just combined. Pour over the crust.

Step 03

Place the pan in a water bath and bake for 60-70 minutes until edges are set but center jiggles slightly. Cool in the oven with door cracked for an hour.

Step 04

Once chilled, mix cherry filling with Kirsch (if using) and spread over the cheesecake. Whip the cream with sugar and vanilla, then pipe around the edges.

Step 05

Decorate with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries if desired. Keep chilled until ready to serve.

Important Tips

  1. Room temperature ingredients and gentle mixing help prevent cracks in your cheesecake.
  2. Can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the fridge, or frozen for up to 2 months.

Essential Tools

  • 9-inch springform pan
  • Large roasting pan for water bath
  • Electric mixer
  • Aluminum foil

Allergen Guidance

Double-check ingredients for allergens and consult a health expert if needed.
  • Contains dairy (cream cheese, heavy cream)
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains wheat (cookie crumbs)

Nutrition Details (per serving)

This nutrition info is provided as a guide and isn't a substitute for professional medical advice.
  • Caloric Content: 485
  • Fat Amount: 32 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Protein Amount: 8 g